Selecting the right HVAC company for your Florida home is a big decision. You’ll rely on that provider to keep you comfortable and maximize your home cooling and heating investments. Let’s explore essential tips that will help you make the best choice.
Schedule at Least Three Quotes for Major Projects
Start by making a shortlist of potential providers. Ask family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers for recommendations. You can get ideas from local ads and advertisements online. Research those companies through resources available online. You can check with the Better Business Bureau and call your local Chamber of Commerce if you have any concerns.
How you advance from here will depend on your current needs. If you need seasonal maintenance or a relatively small repair, choose a company based on your research. Consider if you want to continue that business relationship based on your experience. If you’re unhappy, choose another company from your list next time.
There’s far less room for error when hiring a company to perform an installation. In this scenario, schedule on-site consultations with at least three companies. More is fine, but at least three will ensure you have the context to assess their bids. Have a list of questions prepared beforehand, allowing you to ask each company the same questions and compare their answers.
Some questions you may want to ask include:
- Do you perform a load calculation?
- Are you properly licensed and insured?
- Will you provide referrals for similar projects?
- Which HVAC technologies and brands do you work with?
- How soon can you start and how long will the installation take?
Explore a Company’s Full Breadth of Services
You need a company that can meet your HVAC needs throughout the year. What if you have a furnace and choose a company that only specializes in air conditioners and heat pumps? You’ll have to go through this process all over again. Select a company that installs and services all cooling and heating technologies pertinent to your region. Ensure they perform repairs and tune-ups and work on all HVAC brands and models.
Emergency Services
Ideally, choose a company with repair technicians on call around the clock, including weekends and holidays. Hopefully, you’ll never need emergency service. Still, you’ll be glad to have that established relationship if you ever do. Setting up emergency service with an unknown can be a major hassle and lead to big repair costs.
Maintenance Program
You should schedule two maintenance appointments annually: a cooling tune-up in the spring and a heating tune-up in the fall. Many companies offer a maintenance agreement. It includes those two service appointments at a discount. The company handles the scheduling so that you don’t have to worry about it. Membership often includes additional perks, such as:
- Priority service
- Extended warranties
- Special pricing on repairs
Do Your Research: Years in Business
Hire a company with a physical location reasonably near your home. You should also consider how long that contractor has been in business. Hiring a company established in a community for an extended period gives you confidence. You know they deliver good customer service and quality craftsmanship and stand behind that work.
Check for Licensing and Certification
Florida requires all HVAC contractors working in the state to have licensing. Contractors must acquire that licensing and continue to renew it over the years. The state also has grades for the licenses awarded to individual technicians: Class A, Class B, and Class C. A residential contractor should have at least one technician with a Class B license. This indicates they can install, maintain, and repair cooling systems up to 25 tons and heating systems up to 500,000 BTUs. Class A allows for more powerful systems but is only relevant to large-scale commercial projects.
You should also consider the trade certifications a company and its technicians have earned. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), for instance, is a respected trade association that certifies technicians. There are manufacturer certifications as well. Mitsubishi Electric, for example, awards Diamond Elite Contractor status. It indicates that a contractor is a brand partner and can offer the top warranties the manufacturer has available.
Review Insurance Coverage
Florida requires all HVAC contractors to have at least $100,000 in public liability insurance. They must have $25,000 in property damage insurance. Contractors with employees must also have workers’ compensation insurance. Note that all this insurance protects homeowners, too. If a technician gets hurt on the job and the company lacks insurance, you could be on the hook. Most companies will be happy to provide proof of insurance, licensing, and certification. Many post such information directly on their vehicles. If there’s any reticence, that’s a big red flag.
Are Free Estimates Available?
Most reputable HVAC companies provide installation estimates at no cost and without obligation. Repair estimates are usually not free unless you are requesting a second opinion. You should expect written estimates that are thorough. Estimates should provide all relevant information, such as how long the estimate is good for and projected project timelines.
Explore Online Reviews and Request Referrals
Reviews online can be a great source of information about an HVAC company. That includes reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Don’t place too much emphasis on one or a handful of negative reviews. That said, if you spot many negative reviews, they likely reflect a pattern of behavior not in your best interest.
Most companies will provide customer referrals, which is necessary when hiring for an installation and a good idea for major repairs. Homeowners who’ve had a great experience or a bad one will generally be happy to talk about it with you. Don’t just ask for the referrals. Make sure you follow through on them because they really can be invaluable.
Evaluate Communication and Customer Service
The best HVAC contractors value open communication with their customers. They help answer questions and ensure their customers have all the details needed to make successful decisions. You should feel comfortable with your HVAC team. If you don’t feel that way after a quote or a service appointment, it may be best to consider another option.
Explore How the Company Stands Behind Its Work
System warranties and extended warranties are consumer protection provided by the manufacturer. If you have an issue, you must file a claim through them. Many HVAC contractors provide additional protections for their customers. Consider whether a company offers a warranty for their workmanship and the products and materials they use. The best contractors often provide a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee as well. That gives you peace of mind the company will do what is necessary to ensure you’re a happy client.
Trusted HVAC Contractor in Leesburg
M&S Air Conditioning is an HVAC company that’s served Leesburg, FL and the surrounding areas for over 20 years. We are a proud NADCA member. Our company is a Mitsubishi Electric Elite Diamond Contractor but installs and services all makes and models. Our technicians are available 24/7 for emergency services, and we offer maintenance agreements. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment or set up an in-home consultation.
